Jimmy Chang, dean of mathematics at St. Petersburg College, recently received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Mathematical Association of America and the Florida Two-Year College Mathematics Association.

He accepted the award at the MAA-FTYCMA Joint Conference banquet Feb. 22 at the University of Tampa.

"This is the first time I have ever received this award," said Chang. "This is the first time anyone from SPC has been selected. I hope there will be more recipients from SPC in years to come."

Last year he received the Faculty Member of the Year award at SPC's Clearwater campus.

Former student Kelliann Ganoo, a student support assistant in Learning Resources at SPC Downtown St. Petersburg, describes the math teacher as being one of the pillars of the SPC community and added, "Jimmy Chang is a teacher who helps the students understand mathematics, as opposed to telling them just to memorize theorems."

Chang, whose interests include theater, music and film, received a master of arts degree in mathematics from the University of South Florida and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and theater from Eckerd College.

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To show gratitude to donors in the Channel Markers Society who support its work with the blind and visually impaired, the Lighthouse of Pinellas recognized contributors during an evening reception Jan. 29 at 6925 112th Circle N, Suite 103, Largo.

Businesses, foundations and individuals at six levels of giving were acknowledged and are represented on the Lighthouse Channel Markers Society wall in the facility.

Also recognized were those who invested in the first year of the Legacy Brick Walkway at the Lighthouse of Pinellas.

Listed below are those at the Humanitarian giving level and above, who were honored by their names appearing in English as well as Braille on the recognition wall.

Members of the Chairman's Circle are Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Battaglia; Bright House Networks; Division of Blind Services; Mr. and Mrs. George W. Etheridge; Free Family Foundation Corp.; International Association of Lions; Pinellas Community Foundation; St. Petersburg Lions Club and Tampa Bay Magazine.